Face and Jaw Surgery

Jaw growth where my wisdom teeth used to be?

06/09/2008

Question:

My lower jaw has grown in the area behind my back teeth. This is in the area where my impacted wisdom teeth were removed 15 years ago or so. The last 2+ years i had bone growth behind those back teeth and felt the growing pains. Now they are the height of my back teeth, my jaw hurts constantly and I have pressure in my ears. The dentist said it`s not tooth. Then he left that practice and the other dentist when asked said it was a good thing and it supports the teeth and so on. I told him it hurts and it seems to be growing still. He said you`d need to see a dental surgeon and I wouldn`t want to do that because he`d have to saw my jaw. Can someone tell me what it could possibly be? Absess? Cancer? Acromegally? Could it be a tumor? Affecting my ears (severe pain and nausea in reaction to rain/barometric changes etc). Also, have now had an ear infection/inflammation for first time ever for over a month and I think it`s related. Additionally, I`m in my late 30`s. Thanks!

Answer:

I cannot make a diagnosis without the exam. However you history does not suggest a cancer or abscess. If your jaw is continuing to grow it need to be evaluated as to why.

Lower jaw does not grow at this age. Even if there is a jaw growth it usually does not grow behind the wisdom teeth region. Please see an oral and maxillofacial surgeon who can diagnose it appropriately.

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